Helen Elizabeth Jarchow, age 91 of Weyauwega, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Monarch Meadows in New London.
She was born on January 26, 1931 in New Richmond, WI, daughter of the late Lawrence and Marion (Kinne) Peterson. On July 9, 1955 she was united in marriage to Merle Jarchow. He preceded her in death in 2010. Helen graduated from New Richmond High School and then graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from UW River Falls. She started her teaching career in Wausau and then took time off to raise her family. After they moved to Weyauwega, she taught 2nd grade there for 27 years, earning her Master’s Degree while teaching, and then retiring at the age of 72.
Helen was a wonderful caring woman, she opened her heart and home to anyone who needed it. She loved nature, insects (she was known as the “bug lady”), gardening and campfires. She was instrumental in helping the start of the “Back Yard” behind the Weyauwega Elementary School. She received the Hillshire Farm Educators Award and several environmental awards. Helen and Merle were proud to be named King and Queen in the Horse and Buggy Days Parade in Weyauwega. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Weyauwega.
Helen is survived by her children: Betsy (Brian) Oehlke, Scott (friend Karen) Jarchow, Jay (Jody) Jarchow; grandchildren: Cassandra (Richard) Rupno, Justin Johannes (friend Stephanie), Beau (Hailey) Oehlke, Brett Oehlke (friend Trish); great-grandchildren: Carter, Adalyn, Peyton, Bronson, Raelyn; sister-in-law: Kay Peterson. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Merle and her brother Bob Peterson.
A memorial service for Helen will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church in Weyauwega with Rev. Joseph Corbin officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega. A gather of family and friends will be held at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Life Celebration Center in Weyauwega on Tuesday, January 24 from 4:00-7:00 pm and on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the service.
Memorials may be directed to the Weyauwega-Fremont Scholarship Fund.
A special thanks to the staff at Monarch Meadows and ProMedica Hospice for their care and concern of Helen.